She had been active with the CYO and Choir Director for St. Joseph
Catholic Church. She served Boy Scouting as a Den Mother and Cub Scout
Trainer and also attended several times at the Philmont Training Center.
Carol was the recipient of the District Award of Merit and the Eagle
District Johnny Tauber Award. She was also a member of the Daughter's of
the American Revolution.

Memorial services will be held Monday, November 15, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at
Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches with Rev. D. Stephen McCrate
officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday,
November 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the the funeral
home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boys Scouts of America Three
Rivers Council Randolph Campership Fund.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the brochure put out at Hilton's
Memorial Service July 21, 2010.

Some friends who were there, Johnny Lewallen (63) who was at Hilton's
wedding, and Floyd Gaspard (65) told us that Hilton had been in bad
health for some time. He was diabetic and it had become
progressively worse.

I didn't know Hilton in high school, 535 in our class,
remember. But in the early 80's I started back at Lamar PA to work
on finishing my college work . Lamar PA was phasing out the
drafting classes where Hilton was the instructor, so we ended up in some
classes together as we both were looking to get our Batchelor
Degrees. We had some great talks as we had much in common, rode
together to class.

Since we both were trying to get better jobs, one thing I will always
remember him saying at the time was "we are in our 40's, we may
never work again". I just didn't feel that way and I became
gainfully employed. We both ended up with better jobs.

I managed to see him a few times shortly after that but sadly I never
did get to talk to him again. I still consider him a classmate, a
friend, and someone who I will miss.

Wayne
Taylor

Class
of 62

----------------------------------------------------------

William "Bill" Anthony Piggott
Sr., 66 of Kirbyville,
passed away Friday , January 1, 2010 at his residence. A memorial
service will be 6pm Wednesday, January 6, 2010 in the chapel of
Broussard's in Nederland.

Mr. Piggott retired as a pipe fitter for the Local 195. He
served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Piggott
enjoyed fishing at the beach, his family and martial arts.

Mr. Piggott is survived by his daughter, Dina DeBoer and her
husband Kyle of Tampa, Florida; sons, William Anthony Piggott Jr.
and his wife Billie Jean of Van Vleck, son, Mark Piggott and his
wife Melissa of Kirbyville; five grandchildren, Mark Jr., Matthew
and Michael Piggott all of Kirbyville, Paris and Alexis DeBoer of
Tampa, Florida; two sisters, Sarah Hallmark and her husband Waymon
of Port Acres, Donna Schaefer of The Woodlands. Complete and
updated information may be viewed at broussardsmortuary.com.

--------------------------------------------------

Bill was one of the six of us from this area
who went to Parris Island together on June 20, 1962. We were in
the local Marine Reserve for the next 4+ years but were in different
platoons so I seldom saw him. Sadly had not seen him since those
days. We hear that he had been in poor health for a number of
years.

We will miss him as being a part of our TJ past, our Marine Corps
past, and someone who reminds us of a bygone era when we were young and
full of life.

Charles
G. "Gerald" Thibodeaux, 65, of Bridge City, Texas passed
away on Monday, November 23, 2009, at his residence. He was a
resident of Bridge City for the past 33 years and was a former
resident of Port Arthur. He served in the Air Force and was
retired from Southwestern Bell with 29 years of service.

He was
preceded in death by his father, Charles Houston Thibodeaux and
sister, Brenda Chauvin. He is survived by his wife, Peggy
Thibodeaux of Bridge City, Texas; mother, Lucille Thibodeaux of
Groves, Texas; daughters, Charleen Thibodeaux of Salida, Colorado
and Jennifer Raggio and husband Cory of Bridge City, Texas;
Grandson, Dylan Dixon of Salida, Colorado; brother, Paul
Thibodeaux and wife Wendy of Vinton, Louisiana; sister, Pat Slott
and husband Gary of Groves, Texas.

He was very much loved by his
wife, daughters, son-in-law and grandson. He will be dearly
missed. We Love You Daddy. A gathering of family and friends will
be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, from 4 p.m., until 8 p.m.,
at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on
Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at 2 p.m., at Grammier-Oberle
Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial
Park. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to; The
American
Cancer Society.

Charles
G. "Gerald" Thibodeaux

Life
has not been fair this year to the Class of 62, or to me. I lost two
of the greatest guys ever, my oldest friends.

I
suppose I first met Gerald in high school. But among the big school
TJ was at the time, he soon became more than the usual friend.
Probably his most redeeming quality then, and throughout the rest of his
life, was his ability to laugh and to make you laugh. We played some
sandlot football back then at Lee School.

After
high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, and was able to travel all over
the world. He also met some famous pilots throughout his
travels. His pride in his service stayed with him his entire
life. He wrote me from Thailand and other places, I still have some
of his letters boxed away. When home on leave, we met and shared
stories. His were duzies.

When
he finished his tours he settled in Houston, working at NASA. I
spent time at his apartment there. One of his pride and joys there
was a new Corvette. His favorite song at the time was "Proud
Mary", we would drive around Houston listening to that song. It
was in Houston where he met his first wife. Eventually they settled
back here, he went to work for the Phone Company, and his territory was
Port Arthur, all of it.

To
me he was one of the smartest guys I ever met without formal
college. This was probably attributed to the great schools we had
back then. In the Air Force, they quickly recognized this and he was
trained in electronics and communications from then on. Over the
years he picked up knowledge of computers that made him an expert, without
ever taking a class.

About
12 years ago I was unemployed and his truck motor was going bad. He
paid me to replace it, taking me nearly two weeks to do it alone. He
probably could have had a shop do it in a couple days, but that's the kind
of guy he was, eager to help a friend.

For
the last 6-7 years he would email me every single day. He would find
pictures, jokes, poems, and great information. Whenever I traveled
in his area, I visited him. He had stories to make you laugh.
Early this year, the emails stopped. When trying to email him,
nothing. It took a message from his sister to tell us that he was
terminally ill, that he even stopped contact with his family. It was
his decision to handle it that way, I had to respect it. So
essentially I lost him before he died. That didn't dampen my
love for the guy.

He
was a great family man to Peggy and his daughters. He loved his
house and I think when it was devastated by Hurricane Ike, he started to
die then. He always loved Port Arthur, loved TJ, and the Class of 62
even though he didn't participate in our reunions.

He
is history now, part of the life we grew up in, the town we all loved, the
people we lived life with, and the classmates we will never forget.

Wayne
Taylor

Thomas Jefferson - 1962

Gerald loved this picture, he sent it to me
at Christmas 2007. He had a new camera and it took very good
pictures. This was his entire family, including grandchild and
dog.

Finally, he sent me this poem at the following New
Years. I think he lived it and loved it. It should
make all of us think. To me, it is his legacy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR
HOUSE TO YOURS

You
know, time has a way of moving quickly

and
catching you unaware of the passing years.

It
seems just yesterday that I was young,

just
married and embarking on my new life with

my mate.

And
yet in a way, it seems like years ago, and

I
wonder where all the years went. I know that

I
lived them all...

And
I have glimpses of how it was back then

and
of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..

the
winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...

How
did I get here so fast? Where did the

years
go and where did my babies go? And where

did
my youth go?

I
remember well... seeing older people through

the
years and thinking that those older people

were
years away from me and that winter was so

far
off that I could not imagine fully what it would

be
like...

And
so, now I enter into this new season of my

life
unprepared for all the aches and pains and

the
loss of strength and ability to go and do things.

But,
at least I know, that though the winter has come,

and
I'm not sure how long it will last...This I know,

that
when it's over...it's over....Yes , I have regrets .

There
are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I

should
have done. But indeed, there are many things

I'm
happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.. .

So,
if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you,

that
it will be here faster than you think. So,

whatever
you would like to accomplish in your life

please
do it quickly!

Life
goes by quickly So, do what you can today,

because you can never be sure
whether this is your

winter
or not!

You
have no promise that you will see all the seasons

of
your life...so, live for good today and say all the

things
that you want your loved ones to remember...

"Life
is a gift to you. The way you live your life is

your
gift to those who came after. Make it a

fantastic
one."

LIVE
IT WELL

AND
ALWAYS

GOD
BLESS

FROM
OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE!!

Gerald,
Peggy & Meaux ( The free dog )

----------------------------------------------------------------

My good friend Robert Gallio passed away on Friday, Nov. 6 at his
home in Dallas. Robert
was having some muscular problems on his leg and was in
physical therapy. This was aggravated by some stomach problems
and further complications.

Robert was a native Port Arthuran of Sicilian heritage and
graduated from Thomas Jefferson ('62), Lamar University and the
University of Houston Pharmacy School. He started his
professional career in Beaumont
and Houston
but later relocated to the Dallas area to be near his Mom.

Robert leaves behind his wife Sheila, his daughter Kristin and one
grandson. You might recall his twin sister Sandra (TJ-'62)
and his sister Mary (TJ-'63). I saw Sandra and Mary at the
funeral service and they are doing well.

Just like many of our class friendships, Robert and I met in
the seventh grade at Woodrow Wilson. He was a close friend with
a big heart and I will miss him.

Roger Cantu

TJ-62

------------------------------------------------------

James
Wilson Lewis Jr.

James
Wilson Lewis, Jr. 65, of Garland, passed away Saturday, October
24, 2009 at Medical City Hospital in Dallas after a 2 months long
battle with cancer. James was born in Rosebud on February 27, 1944
to J. W. and Opal Lewis. James was a 1962 graduate from Thomas
Jefferson High School in Port Arthur and a 1967 graduate from
Lamar University in Beaumont.

He also served 4 years in the Army
Reserves. James worked for U. S. Steel in Port Arthur for 19 years
and retired in 2003 from Brockway International in Dallas. James
was preceded in death by his mother Opal Stephens Lewis and his
father, J. W. Lewis, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kathy
Broadway Lewis of Garland, one son, Jason Lewis of Garland; one
daughter, Jessica Lewis of Mesquite and two grandsons, Jordan
Lewis and Julius Hart, both of Mesquite.

Memorials can be made to
St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the
American
Cancer Society. Green Funeral of Ferris Texas is in charge of
arrangements.

Graduation - 1962

A visit to my place in 1977

Loading up a Vette in Groves 1980

In my back yard in 1980

My living room 1981

Reunion 2007, Harold

Nov 2008, with Gerald

This
is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, put into
words my feelings for one of my oldest and dearest friends, James Lewis.

Actually
I am still in denial, still not totally believing it. I keep
thinking that the phone will ring and I will hear those two words heard
so often, that brought such a joy to me - "Wayne .....
James".

I
don't remember just when I first met James, sometime in high school,
among the 2,000 we had in school at the time, we crossed paths. At
one time I began riding to school with him, with my cousin Bing Formagus
(TJ63),
and Margaret McDaniel (TJ62). Since she still had problems with a broken
arm and leg from that car wreck with Alan Temple (TJ60), she always rode in the
front. James drove a 1955 Ford, with nice loud pipes.

Then
in January 1963, after six months in the Marines, I started at Lamar in
Beaumont. James was going too and I rode with him there. It
was about that time that he got me interested in Chevy's, and in
particular Chevy engines. I eventually got around to rebuilding my
own, after buying an engine from him. In fact, the first engine I
built I finished in November 1963, installed it in a 1955 Chevy, and
drove it the first time by myself to Lamar on Friday November 22,
1963. I didn't have a radio in it yet but as I left Beaumont about
12:30, the transistor radio on my dash was crackling with much
static. When I got home, he called me to turn on the TV.

Back
then in PE at Lamar, you chose your sport. We took the same PE
class and chose Tennis/Badminton in January 1964. Since it was
winter we mostly played Badminton in the gym, and we were partners. Although he
was big, he was athletic. He was the front guy, covered every bit
of the front, me with my speed
was the back guy. We proceeded to win every single match every
class, to the chagrin of some. One team, Charles Jenny (TJ63) and
Charles Oubre (TJ63) were good but we still managed to beat them in the
end. We were a terrific team. They would get so
frustrated. Finally, the last class day they did finally beat us,
our first loss.

I
dropped out of Lamar after that and didn't see James a lot. Since
I was playing softball everywhere, he did enlist me to play in a
tournament with his team in the early 70's. We got together on a
few projects but it was about that time they moved to
Missouri. We wrote back and forth, sometimes his letters
were just 2-3 lines to say Hi. I would toss letters into a drawer,
and I still have them in a box. They moved to Cincinnati, then
finally Dallas, his letters always coming. Since the modern email
age, there are no hard copies of our correspondence, but I have many of
his emails saved electronically.

We
worked great as a team. He was the fast guy, he could drive a car
into a garage on a Friday night, rebuild and replace the engine, then
drive it out Sunday night. There would be loose wires and some
missing bolts, but it ran. I was just the opposite, meticulous,
would take my time and make sure every bolt was just right, every wire
in place. But it would take me several weeks to do the job.
We balanced each other out perfectly. His knowledge of Corvettes
was immeasurable, his ability to paint a car, unmatched. Although
he was always a big guy and would say someone needed to be punched, I
never in my life ever heard of him getting into any real fights.
He was just a big pussycat.

I
bugged him for years about coming to a Reunion. Since I was
playing softball all of every summer, I never attended any myself until
1992. But he finally gave in and said he was coming in 2007.
I think he genuinely had a good time and, like most who never attended
before, find that classmates are much different than they were way back
in high school. In the final analysis, I am so glad that he was
here and we have those memories and pictures to remember.

When
he made the visit down here last November, he made sure to visit some
old friends devastated in Bridge City by the hurricane. We went to
Ray Mathern's place, then Gerald Thibodeaux. James was so glad to
see them. One other thing. On trips down he would drive into
downtown Port Arthur. You could see the pain over those sights.

He
was always big but before he retired he worked the last 4-5 years at a
straight night job. It had to take a toll on him, he had many
small physical ailments that manifested itself and he finally had to
retire early. He tried to stay active but he was always sick of
one thing or the other.

His
last visit to my house was in early April 2009. He was looking
real good, had lost weight, was real spry. I got him involved in
buying some guns and he was really elated. There seemed to be no
reason to take any pictures, to worry about anything. But when he
started having problems about July, his ordeal started. His emails
after than belied his worries, but he would always say he was trusting
in God. On his death bed, he was thinking of his friends,
bequeathing his beautiful Corvette to a close friend. Sadly it
wasn't in his Will so his last wishes were not carried out.

We
have lost a genuinely GREAT GUY. My life is better for having known you,
James Wilson Lewis.

Wayne
Taylor

Class
of 62

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Richard
Arland Joffrion

GROVES- Richard "Rick" Arland Joffrion, 65 of Groves,
Texas went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Tuesday September 1, 2009.

Rick was born October 4, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas to Francis
L. and Alfreda Patin Joffrion. He was a resident of Groves for
over 46 years. He was a retired general line supervisor of
transmission and distribution for Gulf States Utilities-Entergy.
He was an avid football and baseball fan and loved wood-working,
however what brought him the most joy in life was spending time
with his precious grandchildren, Kristen, Jillian, Sam and Jude. A
visitation will be from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m., Friday September 4,
2009 at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves. Funeral services will
be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday September 5, 2009 at Levingston Funeral
Home with Reverend Charles Miller officiating.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Francis L. Joffrion
and Alfreda Patin Joffrion; sisters, Evelyn Swan, Margaret Abel
and Dorothy Collins. Survivors include his wife of 46 years,
Carolyn Moore Joffrion; daughter, Kelly Verret and husband, Clint
of Nacogdoches, TX; grandchildren, Kristen, Jillian, Samuel Verret
and one great-grandchild, Jude Verret all of Nacogdoches, TX; one
brother, James Joffrion of Groves; sisters, Frankie Waller of
Groves and Betty Brunow of Port Arthur; and numerous nieces and
nephews.

Bonnie “Kay” Adams Pulliam, 64, of Nederland passed away Monday, December 1, 2008 at Christus Hospital St. Mary in Port Arthur surrounded by family and friends. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 5, 2008 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves with Rev. Kevin Sumler officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 8 PM Thursday at Broussard’s in Nederland.

Bonnie was born March 7, 1944 in Port Arthur to Melvin E Adams Sr. and Dorothy Moro Adams. She lived in the Port Arthur and Nederland area all of her life. Bonnie retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff Office and also worked for Gulf Oil Corporation in Port Arthur. Bonnie was a member and served as a secretary for the OCAW Local 4-23 in Port Arthur. Through out her life, she had many interest from traveling and riding dirt bikes in her younger days to cooking, craftwork and genealogy in her later years. But during the course of her time with us her most memorable and cherishable devotion was to her friends, family and most of all her grandchildren whom she loved unconditionally.

PORT ARTHUR- Alfred “Butch” Perez, born September 19, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas to parents, Cirilo Perez and Margaret Flores Died Saturday, November 1, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Butch retired after 25 years as a pipefitter/gauger from Shell Pipeline. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967.

Butch’s passion for baseball began at a early age and continued until 1980 or so, ending with the OLG Old-timers Fast Pitch Softball Club. He had the distinct honor to catch one of the games when the King and his Court toured Port Arthur. He coached some of the girl’s softball teams when his daughters played softball. He was a loving, generous father and friend, who was always willing to help in any capacity he could. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves, Texas with a rosary recited at 6:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with Rev. T.R. Blanco and Rev Stephen McCrate concelebrating.

Butch was preceded in death by his father Cirilo, nephew David Perez and brother, Emile “MeMe” Perez. His is survived by his wife of 40 years, Maria Aguilar Perez, daughters, Daphne Perez and husband Jeff Martin and Lacey Perez of Austin, Texas, Ali Blasé Dupuis and husband Kevin of Kingwood, Texas, Grandsons, Gage Perez Peterson, Eli Dupuis, granddaughter, Arianna Dupuis. He is also survived by his mother, Margret Perez, sister Mary, Delores, brother Arthur Perez, all of Port Arthur and numerous nieces and nephews.

----------------------------------------

I
am reminded of something that happened long ago concerning Butch and me.

It
was around 1969 or 70 and we were on the same Fast Pitch Softball team. We
were in Austin to play in a tournament. Upon arriving on a Friday
night, not knowing where to go, I joined five other guys in another car to
head out to get some beer and see the sights. Butch was in the back
seat with me and another guy I believe sitting between us.

The
guy in the right front broke out a "rolled" cigarette, took a
puff, and passed it around. All took a puff then when it was held
out to Butch, he said "No". Then to me, I said "No
thanks". Yes, Butch and I was the only ones to
"pass". The other guys were younger, some right out of
high school.

I know of one of the
other guys who eventually got into it bad, pretty wife left him taking his
kids. His life became messed up pretty bad.

Guess
we were raised better at a time when we respected the law and knew right
from wrong. We played the game for many years thereafter, we knew
that taking care of our bodies was very important.

Published March 01, 2008
Margaret Marie DuCroz, 63, of Brazoria died Friday, February 29, 2008, of complications from a lengthy journey with lung cancer. Her loving husband, Charles DuCroz, was by her side.

Margaret was the daughter born September 5, 1944, in Hemphill, Texas, to the late Maggie and Jack McDaniel. Margaret lived in the Brazoria area for 44 years. She had a passion for cooking, bird watching, traveling the world and, most of all, her family.

Condolences may be left by signing the Guest Book at www.bakerfuneralhome.net.

Jean Ann Parker

PORT ARTHUR - Jean Ann Parker of Port Arthur passed away on December 21, 2007 after a long battle with cancer. She was born on March 18, 1944 to O. B. Parker and Eula Mae Parker.

She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and spent most of her adult life in Houston. She retired from Shell Oil Corp. in 2005 and moved to Port Arthur.

She was preceded in death by her father O. B. Parker.

She is survived by her mother Eula Mae Parker, brother James K. Parker of Thorton, Co. along with his two children Lindsey Parker, Leah Thompson and Grandson Daniel Goans, brother Ruelle Parker of Groves his wife Lana, children Tamara Greer of Austin, Charisse Short of Nederland and her children Phoebe and Trey.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 23, 2007 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Funeral service will be on Monday, December 24, 2007 at 10:00 A.M. in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

-------------------------------------------------------

John F. Davis
Port Arthur- John Davis, 63, of Port Arthur passed away Sunday Oct 21, 2007 at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas. John was born February 21, 1944 in Port Arthur to Claude and Jessie Davis. He was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur. John worked at Texaco and in later years was head of security at Lamar University of Port Arthur.
A gathering of friends and family will be Tuesday October 23, 2007 from 8-10 AM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service at 10 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

John is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Donna Elliott. He is survived by his wife Julie Davis of Port Arthur, daughters Jennifer Barroeta of Lumberton, Katherine Welch of Groves, the mother of his children Sandra Davis of Beaumont, Brother David Davis of Groves, sisters Joyce Evert of Groves, and Phyllis Lancon of Beaumont, three stepsons Luis Sherlinee Jr., Oscar Sherlinee, and Obed Sherlinee. John is also survived by his grandchildren Jada Belanger, Austin Taylor, and Judith, Michael, and Daniela Barroeta , three step grandchildren James Sherlinee, Megan Sherlinee, Luis Sherlinee III, Diego Sherlinee, and Rosa Elena Sherlinee.

CECILE YVONNE BURKE BONNETTE, 63, of Houston, Texas, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2007, following a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Cliff and Iona Burke; her brother, Keith Burke; and her niece, Shena Roshto, all of Port Arthur.Mrs. Bonnette is survived by her husband, Randall Bonnette, of Houston; two daughters, Bonnie Bonnette of Sugar Land and Heather Perez and husband Joaquin of Houston; four young grandchildren, Brittany Norman, Alexander Norman, Liam VanHorn-Bonnette, and Lillie Cecile Perez; and
her brother, Cliff Burke, of Port Arthur.

She was a loving and generous wife, mother and grandmother who will be missed terribly by her family. She found great joy in being a wife and mother, but nothing was more special to her than her grandchildren.
Cecile was born on November 19, 1943, in Fort Robinson, Nebraska, where her father was stationed during World War II. The family moved back to its home city of Port Arthur, Texas, after the war concluded.
She moved to Houston, Texas, with her husband and children in 1981, but she always considered Port Arthur to be her home.

She retired in November of 2006 after many years as an educational diagnostician and special education teacher in the Aldine Independent School District. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston, Texas.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2007, beginning at 5 p.m. at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 10135 West Road, Houston, Texas. A Rosary will be held the same evening at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Cypress Fairbanks Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 6 at 10 a.m. She will be interred in Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Port Arthur following a Graveside Memorial service that afternoon at 3 p.m.

Barbara Jo Burge, 63, of Lake Charles, La. passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2007 at her home. She was born on December 8, 1943 to Beatrice Theriot Fontenot and Voorhies (Blackie) Fontenot in Port Arthur. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and was a homemaker. She has been living in the Lake Charles area for the last two years. Barbara enjoyed gardening, tending to her Flowers and working on crafts. She was a mom to many and will be missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be on Monday evening from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 A. M. Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at Clayton Thompson with Pastor Jerry Snider, officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Clayton Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Novella Choate. She is survived by her loving companion, Hershell Milligan of Orange, Texas and his children, daughters, Kristie Burge of Lake Charles, La. and Buffie Burge of Brenham, Texas, her sons, Darren W. Burge and his companion, Lisa Hall of Lake Charles, La. and Dustin W. Burge of Port Neches, Texas and four grandchildren and one great Grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Connie Bourgeois and her husband, Gene of Groves, her brothers, Noson E. Fontenot and his wife, Michele of Bridge City and Cedric J. Fontenot and his wife, Elizabeth of Port Arthur, Texas along with Numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flower donations to the Cameron State Bank, 135 W. McNeese St., Lake Charles, LA in the name of Barbara. 5200 39th St. Groves, TX 77619 (409) 962-8336

LOCAL MAN OF MANY HATS DIES

By Amy MooreThe Port Arthur News

PORT ARTHUR—
He was a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a presidential appointee, a philanthropist and
a published author. Kent Simpson Foster was all of this and more to those who
knew him closely. The man of many hats was a lover of life and took advantage of
every moment he had to make the most of his time.

Foster, 62, died Monday at his home in Houston. The Port Arthur native
graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1962 and spent his life learning
all he could about every subject that interested him. “Once my dad found
in interest in something, he jumped in with both feet researching the
subject,” said Foster’s daughter, Kenlyn Foster-Spence.

After high school, Foster’s interest was education and he graduated from the
University of Southern Mississippi with an accounting degree and then pursued
more knowledge at Baylor University, where he earned his law degree. After
practicing law in Port Arthur for several years, Foster then enrolled and
completed courses in Pepperdine University, Georgetown University, and Tufts
University. Foster owned several businesses, including radio stations,
television stations, cellphone companies, and even a coffee shop business.

It was in 1988 when David Carmen, a Washington lobbyist and CEO, first met
Foster on the presidential campaign for Jack Kemp. Carmen described Foster as
being a man who was committed to being active and helping for no reason other
than he had a big heart.
“To me, Kent represents the best that Texas has to offer...he was quiet in his
presentation, but loud in his actions” said Carmen in a telephone interview
Thursday. “I’m really going to miss him,” he added. Foster was
appointed to the United States Customs by President Ronald Reagan, and
maintained his position through the presidency of George H. W. Bush. Foster
also worked with OPEC.

Foster’s children remember their father as “married to his work” and
a man who never needed an alarm clock. “If he had an idea in the middle
of the night, he’d get up and start researching,” said Foster’s son, Clay.

The humanitarian had a passion for racehorses and jazz music and spent his
last few days sharing those passions with his grandchildren. He bought his
grandson, Kelson, a saxophone, and his granddaughter, Campbell, a clarinet,
hoping to instill in them a piece of himself.

Services for Foster will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 4 at
Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur. In lieu of flowers, the family asks
that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Kent was born on August 21, 1944, in Port Arthur, Texas
to Vera Claudine Foster and Halsey Burton Foster. He was a very intelligent
young man and had many interests during his childhood, such as being an Eagle
Scout. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1962, attended the
University Southern Mississippi and was a member of A.T.O. Fraternity where he
once served as president. After graduating with an accounting degree, Kent went
to Baylor University. In 1968, he graduated Baylor with a J.D., the same year
his daughter Kenlyn was born.

He practiced law in Port Arthur during which time his
son, Clay, was born. Kent’s thirst for knowledge never ended as he attended
many schools such as Pepperdine University, Georgetown University and most
recently, Tufts in Boston, Massachusetts. He was also known as an entrepreneur,
owning several radio stations and telecommunications companies throughout the
United States.

Kent was appointed to many dignitary positions over the
years; during the Reagan Administration he served as President of the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation and he was named the first Trade Ombudsman in the
U.S. Customs Service in 1991 during the Bush administration.

Kent had many passions in life such as horses which he
owned and raced; jazz, gospel and blue grass music and sailing his yacht. He
loved to travel all over the world, especially to the Cayman Islands where he
held dual citizenship. He was a connoisseur of wines and traveled to the Napa
Wine Auction on a yearly basis; he collected stamps, automobiles, art and also
boots. Kent was thoughtful, caring and always put others first. He will be
missed dearly but will be remembered always.

Services will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Saturday,
November 4, 2006, at Grammier - Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur with Rev.
Chuck Huffman of the United Methodist Temple officiating. Entombment will follow
at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves. A gathering of friends and family will
take place from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Friday, November 3, 2006, at the
funeral home. Kent was survived by his daughter, Kenlyn Foster- Spence of
Walland, Tennessee; son, Clay Foster and fiancée Merritt Wright of Dublin,
California; sister, Sue Foster of Port Arthur; her children Andrew Foster, who
took care of his uncle during his final days, Chris Foster and Leighanne Crouch;
grandchildren, Kelson Spence and Campbell Spence and one grandchild, who will be
named Riley, on the way.

In lieu of flowers “Memorial Contributions” can be
made to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 4, Port Neches, TX 77651 or the
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.

For those unable to attend the services “Tributes”
can be sent to the family at www.mem.com.

Kent was one of the good ones. I occasionally ran into him on the "campaign trail" and on one occasion I recall him telling me he had been appointed as Ombudsman with U.S. Customs by President Reagan. This was a very high level and
responsible position within U.S. Customs. It was always nice seeing him and no matter where we were in the country, we became two Port Arthur guys, updating each other on old friends and other PA news.

James Paul "Jim" Hutchins,
Jr., 60, of Port Neches, Texas, died Sunday,
August 1, 2004 at his residence. He was born on August 9, 1943 in
Taylor, Texas to James Paul Hutchins, Sr. and Marjorie Gambrell
Hutchins.

Mr. Hutchins was a resident of Port Neches for 30 years and
had previously lived in Port Arthur. He was a salesman for Sears for
over 35 years. He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Temple
and Cosmopolitan Lodge #872. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard
Reserve.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 5,
2004 at the United Methodist Temple with Rev. Chuck Huffman,
officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Bluff Memorial Park under the
direction of Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas. Visitation will
be Wednesday, August 4, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral
home.

Melanie Ann Herring Bielecki, 60, of Evadale, died Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at
St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services will be held at
2:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2004 at E.E. Stringer Funeral Home in Buna
with burial and Eastern Star Rites at Antioch Cemetery in Buna.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

A native of Pt. Arthur, she had lived in Evadale 35 years. Melanie was
a member of the Evadale Chapter #1111 of the Order of Eastern Star.
Survivors include her husband, F.A. "Polock" Bielecki, Jr. of Evadale;
a son, Tony Bielecki, III and his wife, Leslie of Evadale; two
brothers, Joe Herring of Beaumont and Steve Herring of Pt. Arthur; and
three grandchildren, Steven Bielecki, Sierra Bielecki, and Alicia Jo
Bielecki Yust.

E.E. Stringer Funeral Home Buna, Texas (409) 994-3646.

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In loving Memory

Gail Aileen Eck Petteway was born on Wednesday, March 29, 1944 and
passed
away on Tuesday, January 8, 2002 after a long battle with pancreatic
cancer.
Gail was a dear friend and classmate – one of those people with whom
you
felt comfortable no matter how long it had been since you had last seen
her. Sadness and grief over Gail’s early death is felt not only
by
her family members but also by her many friends. She will be
genuinely
missed.

My first memories of Gail go all the way back to Woodrow Wilson
Junior
High School where we first met. I guess you could say those were
the “good old days” and oh, what fun we had. I often wonder how
we
actually survived those early days considering all the crazy things we
did.

Once in a while a bunch of us girls would decide to skip school and
might end up going some place like Merle Norman for a beauty make
over.
(Understand, we wanted to look great for the Friday night dance or a
hot
date!) It was exciting and fun while we were doing it, but I
don’t
remember a time when we did not get caught. And, of course, we would
end
up being grounded for the whole weekend. What a waste of
make-up.
Still, it wouldn’t be long before we were at it again. I guess we
were just slow learners.

I always liked spending Saturdays at Gail’s house. Her mom
worked
so Gail would prepare her favorite lunch for us. It included a can of
shoestring
potatoes (each) and a bottle of coke. Not very nutritious but oh,
so good!

Once (and only once) when we were in high school Gail put a body
wave
in my hair. I told her that I would like to have just a little
more
body in my straight, shoulder-length hair. Being the generous
person
that she was, she immediately offered to put one in for me. She
assured
me that she was experienced since she had given herself one once and
thought
there was nothing to it. “Why, you just simply follow the easy
step-by-step
directions,” she said. I was convinced she knew what she was
talking
about and agreed to come over after school and get it done. I
must
confess that my confidence was somewhat shaken when she told me to
leave
the perm rods and solution in my hair until 2:00 A.M. before rinsing it
out. She was, however, the one with experience so I followed her
advice. Oh, my! My shoulder-length hair ended up being a
very
short, orange-colored afro–probably the first afro ever seen in Port
Arthur!
I had to wear a scarf tied around my head to school and hope that no
one
dared pull it off. Needless to say we got a good laugh out of
that
one for quite a long time. After all, how can you be angry with
someone
who would say, “Well I followed the directions, I just don’t know
what happened! Mine didn’t do that.”

In the eleventh grade we were waiting in line to take our school
pictures
and I was complaining about never having a boy friend at picture time.
(Remember how the girls wore a boyfriend’s ring on a chain when going
steady?)
Anyway, Gail was going with J.K. Petteway by then so she took his ring
off and put it around my neck saying, “There, you can wear J.K.’s ring.
He won’t care and no one will ever know who it belongs to.”
I still enjoy a warm smile every time I run across that picture.
Gail was taking such good care of me. Of course, everybody wanted
to know whose ring it was.

Gail and J.K. got married while she was in high school and after
graduation
I moved away. Therefore, we did not see each other very often
through
the years, but when we did get together it was as if we just picked up
right where we had left off.

Gail was a very talented person and had her own woodworking shop in
the garage. She cut out and painted different types of wooden
crafts,
many of which she sold in craft shows. There seemed to be no
limit
to what she could do. She did a great deal of carpentry work in
her
home and even built pieces of furniture. Everyone marveled at her
abilities.

I am always impressed with people that are caring toward
animals.
In my book they are very kindhearted. Gail was one of those
people.
Much to J.K.’s dismay, however, she could not resist taking in
strays.
She had three dogs and a cat.

J.K. and Gail had been married for the past 41 years. They had
four children, their oldest being a son named Trey. Next were two
daughters,
Terri and Vickie, and then their youngest son Lanny. The family
suffered
great shock and grief when Vickie died from a three wheeled Honda
accident
at the age of sixteen. They also have three grandchildren: Trey’s
daughter
Chelsea, and Terri’s two sons Kreig and Nicholas.

Gail was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2001 and fought
a long, hard battle over the past year. I was able to visit with
her a few times and talk with her on the phone a number of times.
I never heard her complain or feel sorry for herself. J.K. took
an
early retirement from Southern Union Gas Company last summer to be at
home
with Gail. Connie and Gene Bourgeous were very close to Gail and
J.K. and have been a tremendous support to the family throughout this
difficult
time. J.K.’s brother Coy Petteway and his sister Cinda Petteway
Graves
have also been a great source of encouragement, as have many others.

The world will always be a little sadder place for me without Gail
in
it, but I find such comfort in knowing that she had peace in her heart
with God. All of us will one day come face to face with death as
well, and when that time comes the only thing that will really matter
is
whether or not we have Christ in our hearts.

Dr. Clyde M. Gott, 95, well known educator, scholar, athlete, adored husband, father, and grandfather passed away December 5, 2007 at his home in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX. His wife of over 70 years, Louise Marie Kneuper Gott, and his son were at his side.

He was born September 21, 1912, in Anahuac, TX, to James William Gott and Stella Palmer Gott who preceded him in death. Clyde grew up in the oil fields of East Texas and graduated from Hull-Daisetta High School. He quickly excelled as a scholar and an athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. He entered Southwest Texas State University on a football scholarship. Continuing to excel in athletics, he lettered every year in both football and basketball from 1931 through 1934. He was later inducted into the Southwest Texas University “T” Association Hall of Honor.

After earning a Bachelor of Science at Southwest, he returned to coach and teach at Hull-Daisetta High School where an amazing high school record was compiled there. Dr. Gott’s 1936 and 1937 football team went undefeated 11-0-0 and 12-0-0, respectively. In 1938, Clyde moved to coach and teach in Smithville, his successor Coach Bill Stages kept the Hull-Daisetta winning steak going in 1938 and 1939 to a grand total of 43 consecutive wins.

After Smithville, his career took the following path: Vice Principal, Burbank High School, San Antonio; Vice Principal, Jefferson High School, San Antonio; Principal, Jefferson High School, San Antonio;
Principal Jefferson High School, Port Arthur; and finally, Superintendent, Port Arthur Independent School District. In all, Clyde served as an educator for nearly five decades before retiring to Fair Oak Ranch.

During his transition Dr. Gott also completed a Master of Arts and an Education Doctorate at University of Texas, Austin. As a Superintendent, he was listed in Who’s Who in the Southwest and South, Who’s Who in Texas Today and Community Leaders of America. During his long education career, he belonged and participated in many professional organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa (President); Texas State Teachers Association
(President of Alamo District San Antonio and District 5); Port Arthur YMCA (President of Board of Directors); Port Arthur Lions Club (President); and Port Arthur Shrine Club (Mason). He was also a professional referee for football and basketball, officiating at the high school, college and professional levels. In 1982 he became a member of University United Methodist Church and served on various boards and was a Sunday school teacher until approximately 2002.

Dr. Gott was described by his peers and employees as an “energetic, resourceful, hardworking man who spent 50-80 hours a week on the job often drinking a Coke for lunch.” He was also described as “extremely loyal and supportive of his employees.” Those who worked for him as a Superintendent said he was “a professional who has the strength to make recommendations even if they were unpopular. He was extremely honest and takes responsibility for what happens.”

Dr. Gott is survived by his wife, Louise M. Gott; son, Deene Gott and wife, Ruth; sisters, Edith Gott White, Mary Ruth Gott Reese; granddaughters, Kim Gott Judin and husband, Hank; Kay Gott Weatherford and husband, Mark; and great granddaughter, Grace Evelyn Judin. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bevil Gott, E.B. Gott and Harley Gott.
Dr. Gott’s family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Mrs. Maria Espinosa for always being there for Clyde in his time of need and to the staff of Vital Hospice for the care they provided.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Monday, December 10, 2007 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North. Funeral services will begin at 9:00 AM Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North with interment to follow at Mission Burial Park North. Services will be conducted by his nephew, Michael Gott, Evangelist. Contributions may be made to the Scottish Rite Crippled Children’s Hospital for children or to the charity of your choice in Dr. Gott’s memory.

Port Arthur- Sara Harrison Bush of Port Arthur, Texas passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at her home surrounded by her family at the age of 78.

She was born in Port Arthur, Texas on September 18, 1929. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and Sam Houston State University. Sara taught Senior English at Nederland High School for several years before going back to her alma matter for eight years and finishing her career at Thomas Jefferson. She was a lifelong resident of Port Arthur and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Port Arthur.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 2, 2007 from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 3, 2007 in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Carl E. Bush of Port Arthur,her daughters, Linda Bush Windel and her husband, Bill and their daughter, Jessica of Nederland, Lori Bush Harris and her husband, Stacy and their children, Alexandra, Rhys and Rhiley all of Chicago, Illinois and her son, Craig Bush and his wife, Alice of Vidor and their children, Jennifer, Robert, and one great grandson, Mackenzie.

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Roger Wayne Russell

(from the Beaumont Enterprise 1-26-07)

Roger Wayne Russell, 76, of Bridge City died Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at Christus St. Mary Hospital in Port Arthur. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2007 at First Baptist Church of Port Arthur with Reverend Don Falke officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Saturday at the church.

Roger was born in Goose Creek, Texas on January 31, 1930. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown in 1948, began his college education and then joined the United States Air Force in 1950. He was sent to Japan in 1952 for 27 months. When he returned to the states in 1954, he married Peggy Rae
Bittick. They were stationed in Topeka, Kansas, until Roger was discharged from the Air Force. He finished his education at Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas, and they moved to Port Arthur in 1957 where Roger began his teaching career at Thomas Jefferson High School.

He worked for the Port Arthur Independent School District until 1973. The family moved to Bridge City, Texas at that time and he began working for the Bridge City
ISD. He taught art in the classroom, was director of student activities, a counselor, and assistant principal during his working years. Upon retirement, he worked endless hours at his beloved First Baptist Church doing more things than this paper could hold. Even upon learning of his illness in August 2005, he continued working, visiting, writing cards and doing all he could for other people.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Holt and Lois Russell and is survived by his wife, Peggy Russell of Bridge City; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Kathy Russell of Bridge City and Randy and Helen Russell of College Station; daughters and sons-in-law, Jana and Bob Cash of Beaumont and Karen and Bryan Bozman of Bridge City. He is also survived by his brother, Rollin Russell of Canon City, CO and eight grandchildren, Bonnie Russell, Lindy Stuckey, Shelly Russell, Ryan Russell, Robyn Cash, Matt Cash, Kristi Bozman and Russell Bozman.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bill Carter, Mark Tolar, Thomas Robinson, Don Reeves, Mike Nicholas, Charles
McBee, Albert Follett and Bart Bragg. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacon Body of the First Baptist Church in Port Arthur.